Minimum earnings, tip protection proposed for B.C. ride-hailing and delivery workers

The B.C. government has unveiled a set of proposed employment standards for "gig workers" with Uber, Skip-the-Dishes and other app-based services, including minimum earnings and tip protections.

Under legislation the NDP plans to table next week, companies would have to pay workers 120 per cent of the province's minimum wage, not including tips, from the time they accept a ride-hailing or delivery assignment through to its completion.

"All workers – regardless of where they are from, what type of work they do – if they are working in British Columbia, they are entitled to a minimum standard," Labour Minister Harry Bains said at a news conference Thursday.

The rate is higher than B.C.'s minimum wage – currently set at $16.75 – because it would not apply to the time spent waiting between assignments, according to the province.

Sussanne Skidmore of the B.C. Federation of Labour said while the minimum earnings aspect of the legislation might sound promising, the so-called "engaged time" when workers would actually be making money is "probably only going to be 60 per cent of this person's day."

The proposal would also require companies to show workers what they would be earning on a given assignment before they accept, and prohibit companies from withholding tips or making deductions from a worker's tips.

According to the Ministry of Labour, gig workers with app-based services have complained about low and unpredictable pay, a risk of being fired without warning, and lacking access to workers' compensation coverage if injured on the job.

The province's proposal would require companies to inform a worker in writing about the reason their account is being suspended or deactivated, and provide a review process in which a worker could present counter-evidence in the event of a complaint.

It would also extend WorkSafeBC coverage to ride-hailing and delivery workers – a benefit driver Raj Inder Gill called crucial.

"Picking up passengers, we'll feel more secure that we'll be covered," he said. "We'll feel safer."

The restaurant industry has come to rely heavily on app-based delivery services, and while the B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association applauded the government's announcement, president Ian Tostenson also expressed concerns the changes could increase costs for restaurants.

“We’re hopeful it doesn't go up too much," said Tostenson. "That could really cause some problems for an industry right now that’s having some significant issues."

Uber issued a statement Thursday calling the announcement encouraging, but noting that it is waiting on more details before reaching any conclusions.

If passed, the legislation is expected to be in place in the near year.